Job Description

Head Cook

Location:

Fernside House, Armley, Leeds

Hours:

37.75 hours per week on average

Salary:

26,067.64 / 13.28 per hour + 14.78 overtime

Shift Pattern:

Two-week rolling rota

Week 1:

5 days, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Week 2:

4 days, 8:00am - 6:00pm Working every other weekend

Active Pathways is delighted to be recruiting for a passionate Head Cook to join our brand-new residential service,

Fernside House

, in Armley, Leeds. Fernside House will provide a safe and supportive home for men with enduring mental health needs, and we're looking for someone who shares our commitment to person-centred, recovery-focused care.


You'll lead the kitchen, ensuring nutritious meals are delivered to meet the individual needs of our service users whilst also working within set budgets. You'll oversee the compliance, and contribute to our supportive, recovery-focused environment.

The Best Bits

Extra paid day off every year for your birthday Annual leave starts at the statutory minimum + 2, with extra days rewarded at 2 and 5 years' service Refer a Friend scheme - earn up to 500 per referral Health Cash Plan - covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership

Key Responsibilities

Prepare nutritious, well-presented meals to suit individual dietary needs Lead and support a small kitchen team Manage stock, ordering, and kitchen budgets Maintain high hygiene and food safety standards Contribute to audits and service improvements

What We're Looking For

Essential:

Experience working in a busy kitchen Confident leading a team and managing kitchen operations Strong knowledge of food hygiene and dietary needs NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety (or equivalent) and a valid Food Hygiene Certificate Well-organised with great communication and time management skills Ability to adapt meals to individual needs

Desirable:

Experience in mental health or care settings NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care First Aid Certificate Full UK driving licence

About Us

Active Pathways Ltd has been operating in Lancashire and Yorkshire, for over 20 years as a Mental Health and Rehabilitation provider, offering support to adults aged 18+. We are dedicated to delivering recovery-focused Mental Health Services within innovative, creative, and inspiring environments.


Each service user and member of staff is entitled to, and will have, their own individual and unique pathway designed by them with the support of the organisation to get from their current situation to their desired situation. Each service user is supported to be an expert in their own mental health and each member of staff is supported to be an expert in their own development, with everyone's voice heard, respected and acted upon.

About Fernside House

Fernside House is a brand-new residential service providing high-quality care and a welcoming home environment for men with enduring mental health needs. As part of the team, you'll be helping to shape the service from the very beginning, ensuring residents feel safe, supported, and valued.

Our Core Benefits

Supportive and friendly team environment with ongoing training and development Funded Professional Membership - where relevant to your role Career Development - structured support through our Your Pathway, Your Future development programme Workplace pension scheme Free Blue Light Card membership Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking, and lunch (for site-based roles)

This is a varied and rewarding role where you'll make a real difference by improving people's quality of life. If you're ready to bring passion, leadership, and compassion to a team that truly values people, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us create a service where residents feel supported, respected, and able to thrive.

Active Pathways Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We respect and empower each individual and support diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. We welcome applications from diverse candidates and provide support during our recruitment processes to enable all applicants to perform at their best.


While this day may not always fall on your exact birthday due to service needs or non-working days, you can take it anytime within three months of your birthday.*